Morning gave way to noon, and the sun shone brightly over Mucrea. The old castle hall buzzed with voices and murmurs as the city's prominent figures gathered for the meeting called by Carl.
Seated on the throne, Carl exuded the presence of a true leader, with his shoulders squared and eyes conveying determination. His beloved, Ray, stood by his side, radiating an aura of grace and strength.
The conversation ceased as Carl rose to speak. "Welcome. Thank you all for being here today. Mucrea faces challenges that demand our unity and strength. One of the most pressing challenges is the security of our city, and that is what we will address today."
He turned to Shadow, who stood by a strategy board. "Shadow, how is our army currently faring?"
Shadow cleared his throat. "Currently, we have an army of two hundred men, but many are ill-equipped and have insufficient training."
Carl nodded and announced, "So, let's change that. We will implement a new recruitment and training program. We will start with the recruitment requirements. I want men and women to have the opportunity to enlist. The minimum age will be eighteen, and there will be no maximum age limit as long as they are physically capable."
The meeting proceeded with discussions on recruit criteria and the training structure. Carl was determined to introduce modern physical training and combat techniques to enhance the effectiveness of the army.
"As for the training," Carl continued, "we will implement rigorous physical exercises to strengthen our soldiers. This will include running, endurance training, and realistic combat simulations."
He turned to a lean and agile man, Pen, whose face bore the marks of battles and whose eyes saw more than they spoke. "Pen, I want you to lead the training. Use your experience to forge relentless warriors."
Pen respectfully nodded.
The meeting members also debated how to improve the army's weaponry and armor. A blacksmith mentioned that Mucrea had a good supply of iron and other materials but lacked expertise in forging quality weapons.
"We will address this matter in more detail later in the meeting," Carl said, "when we discuss how to strengthen our economy and industry."
Carl concluded the army topic, thanking everyone for their input and urging them to work together for the good of Mucrea.
"Before we conclude this meeting, there is one last matter we need to address," Carl announced. He gestured to Shadow, who was still standing by the strategy board. "Shadow, you made some interesting findings this morning. Please share them with us."
Shadow nodded and began. "While searching for talent, I heard rumors about skilled blacksmiths in Mucrea. I was told that these blacksmiths are talking about a special kind of steel, very beautiful, durable, and resilient, used to forge swords. This steel is a blend of two different metals and creates stunning patterns on the blades."
He then introduced a middle-aged blacksmith, Fergus, who carried an unusual sword. Fergus had calloused hands and bright eyes, raising the sword for everyone to see.
Carl's eyes widened as he recognized it. "This looks very much like Damascus steel from my era!" he exclaimed.
Fergus stepped forward. "Sir, I can make these blades. However, Mucrea has an abundant supply of materials to forge this steel but lacks the capacity to extract and refine it on a large scale."
"If we can establish an efficient way to produce this steel and forge high-quality weapons with it, it will not only strengthen our army but also potentially be a significant source of income for Mucrea. We can sell these blades to nobles and warriors from other lands," Carl said, his eyes shining.
He turned to Fergus. "Would you be willing to work with me on
this project? I will provide the means to extract and refine the steel, and you will use your skill to forge the blades."
Fergus bowed respectfully. "It would be an honor, sir."
Carl looked around the room, which was filled with hopeful and determined faces. "Together, we will rebuild Mucrea. We will forge not only steel but also a bright and prosperous future for us all."
The meeting concluded with enthusiastic applause. As people began to leave the room, Carl stood by Ray and Fergus, discussing the details of the new endeavor.
Carl wasn't just making plans to strengthen the army but also finding a way to boost Mucrea's economy through the art of forging Damascus steel.
With Fergus forging Damascus steel swords, Carl could sell them at a high price to nobles. Usually, only nobles like dukes and kings possessed such swords, making them a coveted luxury item. These swords were perfect for awakened warriors, and dukes and kings had a considerable number of them under their banner.
When Carl finished talking with Fergus, it was already late afternoon. He contemplated the sunset with Ray on the balcony of their quarters, his expression one of excitement for what was to come.
"You look excited, dear," Ray said, maintaining a slight smile on her face.
With a solemn and calm expression, Carl replied, "Yes, despite all the losses the people of the Barony of Mucrea have suffered, the future looks promising."
Ray continued playfully, "That's right, Baron Carl of Mucrea, hahaha." Ray laughed genuinely, carefree for the first time since what happened. She continued, "You were a commoner before, which means you didn't have a surname. So, will you adopt my family's surname?"
Carl hadn't thought about that yet but nodded. "I guess so. What is your family's surname, Ray?"
Ray answered, "Johnson."
Carl was a little surprised and started laughing. "Hahahahah, that's awesome! From now on, I am Carl Johnson, the Baron of Mucrea, hahaha."
Ray didn't know why Carl was laughing; she thought he was taking having a surname too seriously. As the last rays of the sun touched their skin, Carl looked at the horizon and whispered to the wind, "Here we go again."